OVERVIEW
Wow, what an inopportune book to read as the two big fires in So Cal are finally 100% contained. There is the 1956 Malibu Fire (there are always Malibu fires) in the plot of this novel.
This is the fifth historical fiction novel by Susan Meissner I have read. Her books are very entertaining, fun, and interesting about unique periods. But her books are not deep-dives into the time or characters or books that I will think about for a long time, unfortunately. Of the five novels that I have read by Susan, this is my least favorite.
TRIGGER WARNING: Fire, death, mental health issues, Hollywood blacklisting, war references with violence, domestic violence
OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars
Writing: 3.5 stars
The writing was good, but not great. At times, some of the dialogue was trite and unrealistic.
Character development: 4.0 stars
The main characters are Melanie (a blacklisted Hollywood actress), June (sister-in-law/caretaker of a Hollywood screenwriter), and Eva (a displaced person due to WWII). These three women become entwined in a big secret and become friends in a very short time.
The secondary characters are Elwood (an agoraphobic Hollywood screenwriter), Nicky (Melanie's nephew), and Carson (Melanie's special friend).
The tertiary characters are Melanie's manager/Elwood's manager, Alex (Melanie's brother), and Malibu.
This is a very unique historical novel with few characters. It did make it easy to follow all of the characters.
Storyline: 3.5 stars
The basic premise was about a blacklisted actress hiding out in a Malibu neighborhood next door to a famous agoraphobic Hollywood screenwriter. He is cared for by his sister-in-law. Eventually, a part-time housekeeper works for both homes and discovers a secret that entangles the three women in lie after lie.
The main locations were: Los Angeles, Malibu, and Palm Springs, California.
Memorable/Informative: 3.5 stars
This historical takes place during the "red scare" and Hollywood blacklisting in Hollywood. The novel doesn't seem realistic as all three main characters overreact quite oddly to plot twists.
Book cover: 4.5 stars
Pretty!
Book title: 4.0 stars
Somewhat ironic.
Recommend
NetGalley (eARC/eBOOK)
A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner
347 pages
Berkley
FUTURE release date of 3/18/2023
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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